By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-02-21 03:56:17
The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) recently made history by hosting its first amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament under the new name, Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame (HOF). The tournament took place on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State. This event featured the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) Nigeria Open National MMA Championship, where athletes from across the country competed for spots on the national team for the upcoming 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
The addition of MMA to the tournament marked a historic moment, as the sport will be featured for the first time at the Olympics, with Nigeria set to be represented in 10 weight divisions, including six men’s and four women’s categories. A total of 60 athletes participated in both the boxing and MMA events, which were managed and officiated by the Lagos State Boxing Association (LABA) and GAMMA Nigeria officials.
LBHF founder Wale Edun, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, expressed enthusiasm for the rebranded event and the inclusion of MMA. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for young Nigerians to train, develop their skills, and ultimately represent the country on the global stage as both amateurs and professionals. Edun also expressed hope that the tournament would produce future Olympic champions.
Valentine Morah, the President of GAMMA Nigeria, commended the organizers of the event and expressed optimism for the potential of MMA in Nigeria. He noted that participating in the African Games presents a significant opportunity for the sport to grow in both Nigeria and the entire continent. Morah highlighted the significance of MMA being officially included in the Games for the first time, marking a major milestone for the sport.
The tournament showcased the growing popularity and development of MMA in Nigeria, as well as the commitment to providing opportunities for athletes to excel in combat sports. The inclusion of MMA in the LBHF’s event underlines the sport’s increasing relevance and recognition, particularly with its upcoming debut at the Olympics. This tournament served as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
Overall, the LBHF’s inaugural amateur MMA tournament was a significant step forward for the sport in Nigeria, providing a platform for athletes to compete and demonstrating the country’s potential to make an impact in the global MMA community. With the support of organizations like GAMMA and the dedication of athletes and organizers, MMA in Nigeria is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.
